HALLELUJAH! The Mets' Pitching Woes Are No More

Just get a pitcher. Someone who can really contribute. Those were the desperate cries of Mets fans all over the globe, who collectively watched the worst collapse in sports history last season. Well, after much worry and anticipation, the Mets have brought someone in. The man that super baseball geek Tim Kurkjian referred to as “the clear cut best pitcher in baseball” is, in principal, a New York Met. That man is Twins superstar Johan Santana. No one needs a lecture on Santana’s stats. He has been the triple crown winner (strikeouts, wins, ERA) over the last four years in all of major league baseball. The soon-to-be 29-year-old lefty has a record of 82-35 over the past five years. Simply put, Santana is the nastiest dude around.
Some may quickly become skeptical, pondering the astronomical price the Mets must have paid the Twins. Well, fear not, Mets’ faithful. Omar Minaya is great at his job, as he proved through this deal. The Mets’ have given four of their top seven prospects (according to Baseball America), but managed to keep their top prospect, outfielder Fernando Martinez. Sure, Carlos Gomez will be missed. Kevin Mulvey, Phillip Humber and Deolis Guerra are all great prospects. But that is all they are. For unproved prospects, we can get the best pitcher in the Major Leagues? The paragon of pitching in baseball will be a New York Met, and for prospects, and not even the top prospect, the price is cheap.
Of course, there is one catch. Omar Minaya and his front-office gang must sign Johan to a contract extension within 72 hours. Considering the fact that Barry Zito, a good pitcher but not even a perennial all-star, signed a 7 year, $125 million contract last year with the Giants, Johan’s price tag will only be higher. But, that is what is so great about being a Mets fan. The Mets are not the Royals, nor are they the Pirates or (Hallelujah) the Marlins. Freddy Wilpon will drop the cash for Johan Santana, and all Omar needs to do is lock the southpaw up for as long as he can. The Mets have come too far in this process for the extension not to happen. They are certainly a PR conscious team. Ergo I have no doubt that Johan Santana will officially be a Met by Friday.
After last year’s September fiasco, every Met fan screamed for some pitching, just a little bit of pitching. Is a quality start every now and then so much to ask? Well Omar Minaya heard your screams, folks, and instead of groans and sentiments of utter disgust, there will be cheers and feelings of glee. What were the Mets missing last year? What has been their absolute top priority this off-season? An ace. Someone who can set the pace for the four starters following him. Remember, this is the same Johan who not only threw a complete game shutout at Shea Stadium in 2007, but also doubled twice. This move will take the Mets from a contender in the NL East to the best team in the National League, and maybe even all of baseball.

Pagan Acquisition, Chavez Injury, Kotsay to the Braves and the Mets Trade for Blanton?

We love Endy Chavez for many things. "The Catch" against the Cardinals in game 7 of the 2006 NLCS. His great energy. His tremendous defense. The one thing we don't love is when Endy is hurt. He played in just 71 games last season and his loss creating gaping hole in the depth of our bench. So when I heard that Endy injured not only his hamstring but also his right ankle while playing winter ball in Venezuela I was unsure of his status with the Mets. Especially considering the fact that we will platoon a plethora of different guys at Right this season, I was really hoping Endy would get more playing time than he has in the past. But another injury. And now, in addition to newly acquired Ryan Church, Endy will have to compete for playing time against ex-Cub Angel Pagan.

 

Pagan is a 26 year old switch-hitting speedster, who plays all 3 outfield spots. Pagan is not new to the Mets, as he was traded from the organization in 2006, after being with them since 2000. He started 69 games over 2 seasons in Chicago, and is regarded as a good energy guy off the bench who can steal a base every now and then. 

An energy guy off the bench with speed? Sounds like someone I know. Was this move made by Omar simply because the Mets have seen a guy like Endy and Omar thought, "We should get another one of those?" Or is it because Endy will be leaving us in a deal for an ace? 

The most likely reason for Pagan's addition seems to be the latter. Any team would want Endy, as he is a low-priced, valuable commodity. So who Omar, who could it possibly be now? Johan seems like it just will not happen, and the Mets have fallen way behind the Mariners in the Erik Bedard Sweepstakes. Perhaps it will be the A's Joe Blanton, who was dangled earlier this off-season by Oakland. The A's just yesterday traded starting center fielder Mark Kotsay for reliever Joey Devine, so the A' s have a hole to fill. If they are willing to fill it with Endy and are not looking for too much else in return for Blanton (i.e. someone not named Humber, Pelfrey or Mulvey), it seems that the Mets must pull the trigger.

Believe me, I don't want to see Endy go. But here he is injured again, the Mets have just acquired an Endy Jr. in Angel Pagan, and the A's have an open spot in their outfield. We desperately need a starter, and our window to make a deal is running out. So prepare to say good-bye to Endy, Mets fans, and hello to Joe Blanton.